MAD 300 million to support the Moroccan tourism
According to the Minister of Tourism, there is no need to talk about crisis when the sector recorded satisfactory performance given the magnitude of the global crisis and compared to other competing destinations such as Egypt.
"While the industry's revenues fell 19% but this amounts to several reasons, among others, the shortening of stays and lower consumption of tourists," says Boussaïd.
According to the same charge, the nights have also been a slight decline of 3%, especially Marrakech has decreased by 2%. This is due, according to Mr. Boussaid, diversification of venues. Indeed, according to a study by the Department in April 2009, 50% of tourists prefer, now, settle in guest houses or apartments to hotel rooms. This observation is far to strengthen the department is already planning to launch a special plan for the promotion of the city of Marrakech. In addition, the Department of Tourism says more confident thanks to the increase in overnight stays in May 2009 which have improved by 11%. However, the minister said, these figures do not eliminate the risks incurred sector. Indeed, the Department would anticipate the impact of the economic crisis on the Moroccan tourism sector to limit the effects. This can be done, according to M Boussaïd, through the strengthening of shares in the six priority markets (France, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany and Benelux) and maintaining growth in arrivals at the borders.
It is in this context that this new partnership agreement signed in part by Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Economy and Finance, Mohamed Boussaid, Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, and the other by Othman Cherif Alami, President of the FNT. Boussaid says, this partnership will take steps to anticipate the crisis and be able to consolidate the shares Morocco's major source markets and explore new markets identified as growth areas. Indeed, short-term measures will be implemented as part of this agreement in order to support the work of the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT). The implementation of these measures will be achieved through the allocation by the government of an additional allocation of 300 million dirhams to promote Morocco destination and the development of tourism air service of the Kingdom. The Action Plan implemented in consultation with the private sector professionals is available in 6 axes so.
It focuses on strengthening institutional communication and sent to the national launch new stations "Azur" in the source markets and boost sales of packages through innovative actions for the promotion with tour operators. The plan also aims to consolidate the growth dynamics of the airline industry and the establishment of a stimulus package to support the specific destination of Marrakech, which represents 35% of all overnight stays in 2008. Industry professionals to contribute their part actively through attractive offers and packages, particularly for domestic tourism.
They will also commit to develop continuing training for staff, to maintain employment and adapt to changes in distribution channels in key markets, improving their presence on the Net. Note that other structural measures to anticipate the crisis will be taken by the state. Such measures include the establishment of an incentive mechanism for the development of tourist residential rental properties, promoting capacity building classified litter, and to continue the implementation of the plan "Azur".
Source: The Morning
